September 7, 2012

Both the Packers and 49ers
were the best
in the NFL at protecting the football in 2011, so Sunday’s battle will
likely be decided in the trenches – on both sides of the offensive and
defensive lines. Everyone expects this to be a physical game, so I expect the
big boys to play key roles in deciding the outcome. See below for three key
matchups to watch that should decide the outcome of Sunday’s Green Bay Packers game.

In terms of consistent pass rushers in the NFL, Justin Smith
ranks near the top of the NFL
in sack production and games played in the last 10 season. While Smith has
record at least 5.0 sacks in 10 of 111 seasons played, he’s earned the most
notoriety the past three seasons in which he’s been elected to the pro bowl.

A win for Newhouse would be zero hits or sacks from Smith,
on Aaron Rodgers.
But that’s certainly easier said than
done and just one upfront matchup the Packers need to win. While we know
Rodgers is a superb out-of-pocket
passer, if he’s under fire all day from his blind side, it will negatively
impact his ability to make big plays down the field – which the Packers will
need to do Sunday.

The Packers were historically bad at covering tight ends in
2011 and Charles Woodson did
a subpar job covering Davis the last time these teams met (Davis had 100+
receiving yards and a TD). Alex
Smith constantly looks to Davis as a safety valve and as a deep option up
the seam.

If Davis is able to stretch the field, it will open up holes
in the Packers secondary and allow the 49ers’ mostly mediocre WRs to make
game-changing plays. If the Packers are getting beat by a washed up Randy Moss,
undersized Mario
Manningham and Michael
Crabtree – that certainly won’t be a good sign as Green Bay will face much
tough WR corps as the season progresses. Point being, the Packers need to lock
down Vernon and hold him to less than 5 catches, 50 yards and no TDs.

Raji is perhaps the most underrated and unnoticed playmaker
on the Packers. He doesn’t do flashy things (unless he’s shaking his tush
after an INT and TD in the NFC Championship game), but he impacts the
entire defense. His ability to push back the 49ers offensive line and slow down
(not stop) the run, will allow guys like Clay Matthews
and Nick
Perry to make plays and get after Alex Smith. Raji will be playing on a bum ankle, but the
Packers can’t afford a sub-par performance from him. No one plugs holes like
Raji, so it will be painfully obvious for Packers fans Sunday if he’s not
performing.